Ten years ago, I noticed a stalled vehicle while driving to an early morning meeting. At that moment, I heard a clear voice, as if someone else were in the car with me, saying, “You need to stop.”
I determined to pull over and help the driver. He explained that he had run out of gas and was trying to get to town. I offered to take him to the nearest store to buy some gas. I didn’t ask him if he needed money for gas; instead, I bought him a gas can and filled it up. After I drove him back to his vehicle, I made sure he could safely get back on the road.
I explained that I believed Jesus would stop to help, and I felt compelled by God’s guidance to do the same. I wanted to share the message of Christ intentionally; otherwise, the gentleman might have mistaken my stopping as just an act of kindness and nothing more.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 that we are the light of the world. Ephesians 5:14, 16-17, says we must redeem the time, meaning we should make the most of every opportunity to share Christ and make each moment count for the kingdom. After all, Jesus always looked for the open door.
In Matthew 20:29-34, Jesus was leaving Jericho. As he did, two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard Jesus was passing by, they cried, “Lord, have mercy on us!” In verse 32, Matthew records that Jesus stopped; He recognized the open door.
How do I recognize the open door? Here are some thoughts that might help:
• Take time to build a friendship with Jesus.
• Discipline yourself to be still and quiet to hear the Holy Spirit speak to your heart.
• Spend time in the Word.
• Do not beat yourself up over missed opportunities.
Jesus also acted in the moment. We are not promised tomorrow. This moment may be the only time you have to share Christ with someone. Your paths may simply never cross ever again.
Jesus did not say, "I will stop next time I’m leaving Jericho." He acted in the moment. Moreover, the synoptic gospels record this event occurring before Jesus’ passion. Jesus’ earthly ministry probably never returned Him there.
Remember when sharing the light, it’s not your light; it is Jesus’ light, so always point others to Jesus. Otherwise, they might mistake your actions as random acts of kindness. Pointing others to Jesus does not mean you are answering deep theological questions. Instead, it makes the person with whom you are sharing aware that Jesus is behind your actions.
Had I not turned the conversation to Jesus, the man I picked up might never have put two and two together. He might not have connected the dots — that Jesus was the reason I picked him up. He might have merely thought I was just being nice.
You are the light of the world! Redeem the time! Make your acts of kindness about Jesus, and be intentional. Look for the open door and act in the moment. The urgency of our mission cannot be overstated. Every moment is precious and golden.
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